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Day Two: Wednesday, October 15 - Arrive to Santiago, Chile.
Program Orientati...

Arrive to Santiago, Chile.
Program Orientation/Railcar Ride to San Cristobal Hill.

Note: In May of 2014 Chile stopped requiring U.S. citizens to pay a reciprocity entry fee of $160 (per person) upon arrival at the Santiago International Airport.

Morning: Road Scholar group flights arrive in Santiago.
Proceed through Immigrations, Baggage Claim, and Customs. After exiting the restricted arrivals area, participants should look for the Road Scholar representative who will be holding a Road Scholar sign (only applies to group flights).

Transfer to the hotel.

A light snack will be available for those arriving on very early flights.
Note: Standard hotel check-in takes place between 2pm and 3pm. Hotel rooms might not be available for early check-in on day of arrival. However, participants are welcome to store luggage at the front desk and take the opportunity to explore the hotel and environs while rooms are readied.

Lunch: At the hotel.

Afternoon: Program Orientation.

Get to know your group leader and fellow Road Scholar participants during a welcome and introduction session at the hotel. We will review the up-to-date daily schedule and any changes, discuss responsibilities, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have.

Please be aware that program activities and scheduled times could change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Lecture: An Overview of Chile.

Catch panoramic views of Santiago during a visit to San Cristobal Hill (a.k.a. Cerro San Cristobal).

Board a funicular and travel uphill through the city's largest green space, the Parque Metropolitano, to reach the Terraza Bellavista on San Cristobal Hill. Once at the summit, take a deep breath and enjoy the spectacular views!

Return to the hotel.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: Time at leisure. Get a good night's rest in preparation for a full day of activities the following day.

Chileans have produced fine wines for over a century, although the conquistadors also planted vines. The origin of today's world-class Chilean wines stems from cuttings brought over from French vineyards in the mid-19th century before their stock was decimated by disease. Later, the European vines were grafted onto disease-resistant American stock. Chilean growers, however, had the advantage of original, non-grafted vines from France as well as an ideal climate in the Central Valley.

Orientation to downtown Santiago with a museum visit.

Pedro de Valdivia founded the city on the Mapocho River in 1541 in the fertile Central Valley, but the hostile Mapuche almost wiped it out. Spaniards stubornly held out, establishing farms, ranches and mines.

Return to the hotel.

Lunch: At the local restaurant.

Afternoon: Enjoy an orientation to greater Santiago to view local architecture, shops, and neighborhoods.

The capital of Chile is a city where residents have traditionally looked to Europe as a model for architecture and culture.This influence can readily be seen in its stately palaces, plazas, parks and churches. Santiago is the country's colonial center, surrounded by 31 comunas or communities with their own municipal administration.

Day Four: Friday, October 17 - Santiago -
Wines of the Casablanca Valley/O...

Santiago -
Wines of the Casablanca Valley/Orientation to Valparaiso.

Note: Valparaiso is located 70 miles northwest of Santiago. Driving time: approx. 1:20.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Depart for Valparaiso.

Enjoy a railcar ride and walk in Valparaiso with a view of the harbor and city.

Located in central Chile, Valparaiso is the country’s most important seaport, and now said to be the cultural capital of Chile. Built upon dozens of steep hillsides overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Valparaíso boasts a labyrinth of streets and cobblestone alleyways, embodying a rich architectural and cultural legacy. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city is also host to the National Congress of Chile.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Afternoon field trip to a Casablanca Valley winery.

Chile’s Casablanca Valley has developed an international reputation among wine connoisseurs for turning out deliciously crisp white wines. The Valley is located just 20 miles from the Pacific Ocean and less than 50 miles northwest of Santiago. As the nutrient-rich Humboldt Current makes its journey northwards from Antarctica, it moves up along the coast of Chile bringing cool ocean breezes. The cool Mediterranean-like climate in the area is perfect for producing high quality Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Riesling wines.

Note: The flight from Santiago to Puerto Montt takes 1:45 hours. The drive from Puerto Montt to Puerto Varas takes approximately 20 minutes. Puerto Varas is located 12 miles (20 km) north of Puerto Montt.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Transfer to the airport.

Board a flight to Puerto Montt (1:45 hrs).

Founded by German settlers in the mid-19th century, Puerto Montt still retains a distinct middle European face, with Nordic and Alpine architecture. The city is best known as a gateway to the southern lakes of Chile, Chiloé Island and Chilean Patagonia. Located nearby is the fishing and ferry port of Angelmo.
Excursion to the bustling Angelmo Fish and Craft Market.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Transfer to the hotel and check-in.

Time at leisure.

Field trip to an equestrian farm for rodeo demonstration by local huasos (Chilean cowboys). Site lecture: Training a Show Horse, a Labor of Patience and Love.

Smoking policy: YesSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Day Six: Sunday, October 19 - Puerto Varas -
Germanic History of the Area...

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Lecture: The Lake District and German Immigration.

Puerto Varas is nestled between the towering peaks of the Andes and the shores of Lake Llanquihue in Chile, twelve miles north of Puerto Montt. Puerto Varas is known for its spectacular views across Lake Llanquihue to the Andes Mountains.

The area was settled by predominantly German immigrants in the middle of the 19th century, and remnants of their culture are evident in many small communities in the area. Puerto Varas, founded in 1854, served as an important port on the lake during this period. Because of the hilly land and curved shoreline the street plan is irregular, but the town displays a well-preserved concentration of European architecture.

Excursion to German Museum with site lecture.

Short walk through the small German town of Frutillar and its new performing arts theather.

Description: This attractive family-owned hotel has a long standing history in Bariloche. The small bed and breakfast style property that first opened its doors in 1938 gradually blossomed into a stylish hotel with modern installations and 80 comfortable rooms. Within a short walking distance of the hotel guests can reach the scenic shores of Nahuel Huapi Lake or check-out the downtown restaurants and shops.

Note: The lake crossing from Chile to Argentina takes approximately 8-9 hours and includes a series of boat and coach transfers.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Field trip to the Petrohue Falls and begin your lake crossing journey to Argentina (across Lake Todos los Santos). The scenic crossing, from Chile into Argentina, takes approximately 8-9 hours from start to finish.

En route to the lake crossing, participants will have the opportunity to visit the black rock waterfalls of Petrohué at the end of the Todos Los Santos Lake crossing. Petrohué Falls lies in the threshold of the mighty Osorno Volcano, and the unique falls are comprised of a series of oddly twisting chutes among crystallized black volcanic rock. The rock is particularly resistant to erosion, lending the falls a peculiar shape.

Lunch: At a restaurant en route to Bariloche.

Afternoon: Continue lake crossing with a series of boat and coach transfers.
Arrive in Bariloche and transfer to the hotel.

Bariloche is the primary city in the Argentinean Lake District and is a hub for accessing alpine resorts in the area as well as the Nahuel Huapi National Park. The area was once inhabited by Mapuche Indians, but after General Roca's brutal "Conquest of the Desert" campaign, both Argentinean and foreign settlers began to colonize the area. The land for the Nahuel Huapi National Park was set aside in 1904 to preserve local flora and fauna. The park is home to pristine Andean-Patagonian forests and rare animals like the huemul (Andean deer) and pudú (miniature deer).

Many Germans, Swiss and northern Italians came to the region, leaving an indelible cultural influence. In the last 20 years, the area has experienced considerable growth in the resort industry owing to its natural beauty. Bariloche lies on the south shore of Lake Nahuel Huapi's eastern end. The city itself is a modern urban and commercial center set amidst a spectacular panorama of mountains and lakes.

Description: This attractive family-owned hotel has a long standing history in Bariloche. The small bed and breakfast style property that first opened its doors in 1938 gradually blossomed into a stylish hotel with modern installations and 80 comfortable rooms. Within a short walking distance of the hotel guests can reach the scenic shores of Nahuel Huapi Lake or check-out the downtown restaurants and shops.

Bariloche -
Orientation to Bariloche/A Look at European Influences in the Region.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Lecture: The Mapuche Indians and Early History of Argentina.

Walking orientation of Bariloche, including the downtown museum.

Embark on a scenic chairlift ride to Cerro Campanario and its look-out point, set high above Bariloche. Participants will have the opportunity to enjoy a coffee break at the on-site restaurant and appreciate the views of the city. A site lecture on the economic and agricultural activities in the region will complement this activity.

Following the chairlift ride, enjoy visiting with a local immigrant family to learn about their experiences settling in Bariloche.

Lunch: At a local restaurant that is owned and run by a local immigrant family.

Afternoon: Return to the hotel.
Time at leisure.
Lecture: European Immigration and Settlement.

Description: This attractive hotel is located approximately 9 miles from the famous Iguazu Waterfalls and a five-minute walk from Hito Tres Fronteras. The Hito Tres Fronteras is a viewpoint from where visitors can admire the confluence of the Parana and Iguazu Rivers where Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay share borders.

Morning: Transfer to the airport to board a flight to Iguazu Falls (via Buenos Aires).

Arrive in Iguazu and transfer to the hotel, located between Puerto Iguazu and the Falls.

Note: Activities while at Iguazu will focus entirely on the Argentinean side of the falls. This program will not spend any time in Brazil; therefore, no special visas are necessary.

Lunch: Boxed lunch.

Afternoon: After lunch enjoy a walk to a local lookout point and a site lecture. The scenic spot is located at the confluence of the Parana and Iguazu Rivers and offers views of three countries: Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay.

Description: This attractive hotel is located approximately 9 miles from the famous Iguazu Waterfalls and a five-minute walk from Hito Tres Fronteras. The Hito Tres Fronteras is a viewpoint from where visitors can admire the confluence of the Parana and Iguazu Rivers where Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay share borders.

Smoking policy: YesSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Day Ten: Thursday, October 23 - Iguazu Falls -
Full Day Exploring the Falls...

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: This day will be spent visiting the Argentinean side of the Iguazu Falls. Board a park train for a scenic ride through the jungle, along the edges of the mythical waterfalls.

This excursion takes us along the upper and lower trails of the Iguazu National Park, allowing you to get a closer look at some of the 275 falls that drop from the Iguazu River. Enjoy the fantastic wildlife and jungle that surrounds it. At the end of the trail, we will appreciate from a short distance, a view of the Devil's Throat Cataract.

Since 1908 visitors have marveled at the imposing seven-story Teatro Colón, a truly world-class center for opera, ballet and classical music. The theater's basement houses impressive workshops, costume designs and rehearsal studios. The majestic hall seats 2500 and has standing room for 1000. The Teatro is the site of regular Presidential Command Performances.

Lecture: Contemporary Argentina: a Social, Economic, and Political Overview.

Buenos Aires offers a wealth of culture for the visitor. Headed by an expert guide, the city orientation allows for a closer glimpse of intricate architecture and observation of the vivacious daily life. Street performers are colorful and impressive; many probably will be doing the tango. The Italian quarter, known as La Boca, will also be visited. Taking in Buenos Aires will be both a joy and a learning experience.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Time at leisure.

Lecture: The Tango, So Much More than a Dance.

A way of life for the people of the city, the tango pulsates with the lifeblood of romantic Buenos Aires. The dance has its origins in the brothels and tenements of late 19th-century Buenos Aires and was a synthesis of Spanish and Italian music, Negro candombe and bawdy Gaucho verse. It was popularized by legendary performers like Carlos Gardel, and soon spread from the fringes to the middle class, and then to the elegant salons of Buenos Aires. The tango has enjoyed a modern resurgence, and as the country's most famous cultural export it is a staple of Buenos Aires nightlife. To this day, Gardel has thousands of followers.

Settled in 1536 and founded in 1580, Argentina's capital, Buenos Aires, lies on the banks of the Rio de la Plata River. Sometimes called the "Paris of South America," the bustling city is known for its sophisticated, cosmopolitan inhabitants and its non-Spanish European influences (Parisian architects designed many of the buildings). Stately mansions, broad boulevards, artists' quarters and lively sidewalk cafes bring to mind the grandeur of Europe.
Excursion to Evita Museum.

Lunch: Farewell lunch at local restaurant.

Afternoon: Time at leisure.

Participants will be able to keep their hotel rooms in order to rest, finish packing, and freshen-up before transfering to the airport to catch their individual flights back to the U.S. Hotel check-out by 6 p.m.

Dinner: Light snack available at the hotel.

Evening: Transfer to the airport for your overnight flight to the U.S.

This concludes the program. We hope you enjoyed your Road Scholar adventure! When you get home, remember to stay in touch via the Road Scholar Social Network; share memories, pictures, and comments about your recent travels.

Important information about your itinerary: Please know that while we do everything we can to finalize all aspects of our programs well in advance, there are logistics that occasionally must be altered. Our website will reflect the most recent information, and we are committed to providing you with final program details no later than eight weeks prior to the start of programs outside the U.S. and three weeks prior to the start of programs within the U.S. If you ever have questions about your program, please don't hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to assist you.

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The latest in light, portable, easy-to-use QUIETVOX listening devices are available on Road Scholar programs.* Whether you are outdoors, in a crowd or in a museum environment where speaking loudly is discouraged, a listening device makes it feel like our experts are speaking clearly and directly to you. Hear for yourself on a Road Scholar adventure!

*Please note that due to the nature of some programs, the remote location or government regulations, listening devices may not be available. If you’d like to know for sure if your program will offer listening devices, just call and ask an Advisor!